Emperor Daozong of Liao facts for kids

Emperor Daozong of Liao (born September 14, 1032 – died February 12, 1101) was an important ruler of the Liao dynasty. His personal name was Chala, and his Chinese name was Yelü Hongji. He was the eighth emperor of this dynasty, which was led by the Khitan people in China.

Life of Emperor Daozong

The Pagoda of Fugong Temple, built in 1056. This pagoda was built near the home of Daozong's grandmother in Shanxi.

Emperor Daozong became emperor in 1055, taking over from his father, Emperor Xingzong of Liao. One of his first big decisions was to bring back the official name "Great Liao" for the empire in 1066. This name had first been used by Emperor Taizong of Liao many years before.

During his time as emperor, some important things happened. A special Liao version of the Buddhist book Tripitaka was finished. Also, the impressive Sakyamuni Pagoda was built in 1056.

Challenges and Changes

Emperor Daozong faced several challenges during his rule. In 1063, some Khitan people tried to attack him while he was hunting. They were upset because their traditional tribal justice system was being changed by local Chinese officials. Emperor Daozong survived this attack, and the rebels were caught. To show he was still the rightful emperor, he had to take part in a special "rebirth" ceremony.

In 1070, Emperor Daozong made changes to the Liao legal system. He wanted it to better reflect the different customs of both the Han Chinese and the Khitan people.

Empress Xiao Guanyin and Court Troubles

Emperor Daozong's wife, Xiao Guanyin, was known for being a good and wise woman. She often tried to convince him to be a better leader and to remove corrupt officials from his government. However, Daozong was not very interested in ruling and did not always listen to her advice. Empress Xiao Guanyin often spent her time writing poetry.

A powerful but corrupt official named Yelü Yixin was worried about the empress's influence. He planned to get rid of her. Yelü Yixin tricked a palace servant into helping him. They made it seem like the empress had written a love poem to another man. Yelü Yixin then showed this poem to Emperor Daozong. He convinced the emperor that the poem proved the empress was disloyal.

Sadly, Emperor Daozong believed Yelü Yixin. In 1075, Empress Xiao Guanyin was falsely accused and punished. Yelü Yixin then continued his evil plans. He also caused the crown prince and other officials he disliked to be falsely accused and punished.

Eventually, Emperor Daozong realized what Yelü Yixin was doing. He slowly began to take away Yelü Yixin's power. Yelü Yixin then tried to escape to another kingdom, but he was caught. He was finally punished in 1083. However, the harm he had caused to the empire was already done.

An epitaph for Empress Xuanyi, who was the wife of Emperor Daozong.

Corruption and Rebellions

Emperor Daozong's rule was marked by a lot of corruption. He spent huge amounts of money on his palaces and on his Buddhist religious practices. This lavish spending led to very high taxes for the people. Many citizens were angry about these taxes.

Because of the high taxes and corruption, many people began to rebel against the Liao dynasty. The most important of these were the Jurchen people. These tribes would later form their own powerful kingdom, the Jin dynasty. The Jin dynasty eventually grew strong enough to overthrow the Liao dynasty.

Family

Emperor Daozong had several family members, including his wives and children.

Wives and Children

• Empress Xuanyi, from the Xiao clan (1040–1075). Her personal name was Guanyin. She was his first cousin once removed.
  • Yelü Jun, Crown Prince Zhaohuai (1058 – 1077). He was Daozong's first son and the father of Emperor Tianzuo of Liao.
  • Princess of Wei. Her personal name was Sagezhi. She was Daozong's first daughter.
    • She married Xiao Xiamo.
  • Princess of Zhao (died 1089). Her personal name was Jiuli. She was Daozong's second daughter.
    • She married Xiao Tabuye, who was the Prince of Lanling.
  • Imperial Princess Liang of Song. Her personal name was Teli. She was Daozong's third daughter.
    • She married Xiao Chouwu.
    • She also married Xiao Temo and had two sons with him.
• Grand Consort Dowager Feng, from the Xiao clan (died 1181). Her personal name was Tansi. She had no children.
• Lady, from the Xiao clan. Her personal name was Wotelan. She had no children.